uniformitarianism

/ ˌjuːnɪˌfɔːmɪˈtɛərɪəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the concept that the earth's surface was shaped in the past by gradual processes, such as erosion, and by small sudden changes, such as earthquakes, of the type acting today rather than by the sudden divine acts, such as the flood survived by Noah (Genesis 6–8), demanded by the doctrine of catastrophism

uniformitarianism

/ yo̅o̅′nə-fôr′mĭ-târ′ē-ə-nĭz′əm /

1. The theory that all geologic phenomena may be explained as the result of existing forces having operated uniformly from the origin of the Earth to the present time.
2. See Note at Lyell

Example Sentences

I have spoken of Uniformitarianism as the doctrine of Hutton and of Lyell.

From Project Gutenberg

The limitations implied in these passages appear to me to constitute the weakness and the logical defect of uniformitarianism.

From Project Gutenberg

Now uniformitarianism, as we have seen, tends to ignore geological speculation in this sense altogether.

From Project Gutenberg

For consistent uniformitarianism postulates evolution as much in the organic as in the inorganic world.

From Project Gutenberg

This view is a complete reconciliation of catastrophism and uniformitarianism, and is far more rational than either extreme.

From Project Gutenberg